FAMOUS QUOTES FROM HAMLET AND THEIR MEANING

“To be, or not to be: that is the question.” – Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence and ponders the idea of suicide.

“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” – Hamlet reflects on how our perception and interpretation of events define them as good or bad.

“This above all: to thine own self be true.” – Polonius advises his son Laertes to remain authentic and loyal to himself.

“Brevity is the soul of wit.” – Polonius remarks that concise and thoughtful communication is the essence of cleverness.

“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – Polonius emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and how it leads to truthfulness to others.

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t.” – Polonius recognizes that even in Hamlet’s erratic behavior, there might be a hidden reasoning or pattern.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” – Marcellus expresses his suspicion of political corruption and the sense of decay in Denmark.

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend.” – Polonius advises against borrowing or lending money, as it often leads to the loss of both money and friendships.

“Though we know not what we are, yet we know what we may be.” – Ophelia ponders the uncertainty of self-identity but acknowledges the potential for personal growth.

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” – Queen Gertrude notices that someone overly emphasizes their innocence, which raises suspicions.

“When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.” – King Claudius remarks on the accumulation of troubles and how they often come all at once.

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” – Hamlet acknowledges that the world is full of mysteries and possibilities beyond our comprehension.

“This above all: to thine own self be true.” – Polonius advises his son Laertes to remain authentic and loyal to himself.

“Get thee to a nunnery.” – Hamlet harshly dismisses Ophelia, suggesting that a religious life away from men is the only place for her.

“Give me that man that is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart.” – Hamlet values a person who is not controlled by their emotions, and he would hold them dear to his heart.

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t.” – Polonius recognizes that even in Hamlet’s erratic behavior, there might be a hidden reasoning or pattern. QUOTES ABOUT BIG HEARTS

“I must be cruel only to be kind.” – Hamlet justifies his harshness towards Ophelia, believing that it is necessary for her well-being.

“The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.” – Hamlet plans to use a play to expose King Claudius’s guilt and seek revenge.

“There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow.” – Hamlet believes that fate guides even the smallest events, emphasizing the presence of divine intervention.

“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” – Horatio expresses his gratitude and loyalty to Hamlet.

“To sleep, perchance to dream.” – Hamlet contemplates the possibility of dreams in death and the unknown that awaits.

“What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties.” – Hamlet marvels at the complexity and potential of humanity.

“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” – Hamlet reflects on how our perception and interpretation of events define them as good or bad.

“Words, words, words.” – Hamlet dismisses Polonius’s wordplay, criticizing the superficiality of language without meaning.

“I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love, make up my sum.” – Laertes asserts his deep love for Ophelia, contrasting it with the superficial love of others.

“A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm.” – Hamlet ponders the equality of all mortals in death, emphasizing the fleeting nature of power and hierarchy.

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Juliet, in conversation with herself, suggests that the name of her beloved, Romeo, does not define him nor their love.

“Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.” – Hamlet professes his love and commitment to Ophelia, assuring her that his feelings are unwavering.

“I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw.” – Hamlet suggests that he is only pretending to be mad and can still discern reality from illusion.

“The rest is silence.” – Hamlet’s final words reflect his acceptance of death and the end of his tumultuous journey.